Appearing on the Major Nelson blog, the official publication of Microsoft’s Director of Programming for Xbox Live, Lawrence Hryb, the clock has sparked speculation on the long awaited Xbox 720 launch with the counter suggesting Microsoft could finally unveil its PS4 and Nintendo Wii U rival during E3 2013, and more precisely on June 11.

Although Hryb has failed to clarify that the countdown clock is in reference to the long overdue arrival of the Xbox 720 and not simply another high-profile Microsoft launch, the Xbox Live head has hinted at a key release, teasing simply “and it’s on…”

Posted at 8:51am PT (4:51pm GMT) yesterday, January 2, Microsoft’s new E3 2013 countdown clock currently reads a little over 158 days to launch.

Xbox 720 RumoursAlthough far from confirmed, the Xbox 720 release date has been the thing of much rumour and speculation for a number of years with 2013 widely expected to be the year Microsoft finally unveils and releases it next-generation console.

With an Xbox 720 UK release date tipped for pre-Christmas 2013, an E3 2013 unveiling would be likely with Microsoft keen to beat Sony and the equally anticipated Sony PS4 release to the next-gen punch. Although recent reports had suggested Microsoft would ditch a physical disc format in favour of a digital title only console, such speculation has been widely rebuked due to the lack of globally available high-speed reliable internet connections.

Whilst some Xbox 720 rumours have suggested the device will support a monstrous eight-core processor, others have suggested it will be more restrained with one Xbox 720 tipster recently Tweeting: “If you want more evident that MHz isn’t everything, a little birdie points out that Durango (Xbox 720) is specc’ed to have a 1.6GHz CPU.”

Expected to feature second-generation Kinect technology, a number of Xbox 720 rumours have claimed the console will focus heavily on interactive gaming, with Kinect 2 to be partnered with an integrated Blu-ray player, a feature currently found on the PS3.

What would you like to see Microsoft incorporate within the much rumoured Xbox 720? Is it all about graphics or new, immersive means of gaming? Let us know via the Trusted Reviews Twitter and Facebook feeds or through the comment boxes below.